Opinion Mill: What Bee writers are saying
Editor's note: The Opinion Mill features samples of online Q&As with Bee staff writers Sam Amick (Kings), Matthew Barrows (49ers) and Jason Jones (Oakland Raiders). To post questions, view more Q&As or read their blogs, go to www.sacbee.com/blogs.
Q: Why is Geoff Petrie the Teflon man? We blame everybody but him. He assembles the losing team. What is the reason for his immunity?
-- Desmond Joly, Davis
A: The reason is a track record with far more success than failure, but this summer is key. This team desperately needs revamping, not to mention the importance of the coaching hire. ... The Maloofs are less involved than in years past, and the future is in Petrie's hands.
-- Sam Amick
Q: I really love the potential of the 49ers' defense this year; my only real concern is the safety position. It has great run-stopping potential, but it doesn't seem we have enough pass-coverage ability back there. How do you view the safety position?
-- Steve, Penryn
A: The safeties certainly will be able to punish runners and pass catchers alike, but you're right: Michael Lewis and Keith Lewis, two of the top three safeties, aren't exactly known for their coverage ability. The addition of Nate Clements at cornerback somewhat diminishes the need for a great coverage safety. The plan is to have Clements take away half the field and allow Michael Lewis to play closer to the line of scrimmage. The secondary as a whole seems designed to take on the big, physical Cardinals receivers who have given the 49ers fits in recent years.
-- Matt Barrows
Q: I'm a die-hard Oakland Raiders fan, and I am intrigued with JaMarcus Russell. I've been reading a lot of blogs that say Josh McCown or Andrew Walter could get the starting job, but do you think the Oakland Raiders would pay JaMarcus Russell all that money, take him first overall and start him on the bench? If so, do you think we'll see JaMarcus Russell this year at all?
-- Vince Roche, Folsom
A: There is a very good chance the Oakland Raiders will leave JaMarcus Russell on the bench to start the season. ... I don't believe the Oakland Raiders will put him on the field if the offensive line is shaky and let him take a beating.
McCown's experience and mobility make him an ideal starter to begin the season, but the Oakland Raiders should work JaMarcus Russell in and give him the chance to see some real action. If the Oakland Raiders enter the last month or so of the season out of playoff contention, I wouldn't be surprised to see JaMarcus Russell finish out the season as the starter.
-- Jason Jones
See more at www.sacbee.com
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